Pope decries attack on Nigerian church as Christians protest killings

Pope Francis on Sunday decried an attack on a church in Nigeria during which two priests and other worshippers were killed.

Associated Press reports that the pontiff spoke on Nigeria during his remarks to the public in St. Peter’s Square.
“The pontiff prayed that Nigeria’s Christian community find harmony and peace,” AP reported.
The pope’s . came just as a large number of Christians in Nigeria obeyed the call by the Christian Association of Nigeria to, after the Sunday services, protest against the killings by Fulani herdsmen in Benue State and other parts of the country.
The CAN President, Rev. Olasupo Ayokunle, in a statement last Wednesday had said, “CAN urges Christians in Nigeria to hold peaceful protest on the set aside date, on the premises of their churches, asking the Federal Government and security agencies to stop the unending killings and bloodshed in the country.”

Benue churches vow to work against Buhari
Christian across churches in Benue State on Sunday held the protest on their church premises, vowing to work against Buhari candidacy in the 2109.
Our correspondent who visited some of the churches in Makurdi, the state capital, reported that many worshippers of various Christian denominations wore black attire.

Some of them displayed placards with the inscriptions, “Buhari is responsible for the killings in Benue, ‘FG must come out to defend us,’  ‘Enough of bloodshed in Nigeria,’ ‘Enough of unlawful killings in the country,’ and ‘FG, stop herdsmen killings,’ among others.
At the Holy Ghost Catholic Church, Wadata, one of the parishioners, Mrs. Elizabeth Oduh, said, “President Buhari has not lived up to the expectations of Nigerians.
“The Federal Government should protect its citizens and stop paying lip service to security.”
At NKST Church, Iyorter, along Makurdi-Gboko Road, the worshippers prayed and laid curses on killer herdsmen.

The associate pastor of the church, Rev. Samuel Ackaudu, said, “In Benue state, we have realised that our lives are no longer valuables.
“There is no way that the Christian community in Benue State will support Buhari’s second term ambition.”
The resident pastor, NKST Church High-level, Makurdi, Pastor Fredrick Ikya, said the President had offended the Christian community by allowing Fulani herdsmen to kill God’s anointed people.

2Face Idibia’s son, Zion celebrates his 10th birthday

Yesterday, April 29th is 2face Idibia’s second son, Zion’s birthday.
His mother, Sumbo Adeoye has taken to her social media to write a very lovely birthday message to him.



She wrote;
“My Son – KING ZII, is such a Great man in the body of a child with the strongest personality. ••••
One of the purest and strongest spirit you’ll ever meet. ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Beautiful in and out with the strongest of Love for people especially his baby sister Olivia. •••
Since birth, I just knew he was special. His smiles, aww the cutest thing you’ll ever see. My own song bird and prophet. ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Super kind and loving. He’s all shades of wise, dope and assertive. Simply put – That “One of a kind and mega confident” 10year old you’ll ever meet. ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Zion is sooo me, selfless, cheerful, giving and I can say I’m most blessed to have brought to life such a better version of myself.
Thank you God for the gift of Zion. ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
I Can’t wait to see you change the world Son. Happy 10th birthday to you my 2nd Born. •••••
May the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus always. Amen ••••••
Mummy LOVES YOU TOO MUCH baby.  #KingZii #ZionAt10 #itsaLaligaParty #April29 @zionidibia”

Nollywood Actresses Still Stunning @40

If you have been scared of how life would be when you hit the big '40', fear no more.
let see 4 Nollywood actress, who just clocked 40, and are living their lives like its golden.

1. Omoni Oboli

Omoni Oboli has always looked younger than her age and even after turning 40 in April, the mother of 3 boys can still play a 20 year old in a Nollywood film.

2. Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde

 

After 20 years in Nollywood, she still has sparks in her eyes and a zest for life.
Born on 7th February 1978, the mother of four still turns heads everywhere she goes.
She is the first African celebrity to receive over 1 million likes on her Facebook page.

3. Stella Damasus

 

At 40, it would not be a surprise if the mother of 2 still gets 'male toasters'.
Nollywood actress, Stella Damascus who turned 40 in April is still a certified 'hot chick'.

4. Funke Akindele-Bello

 

Everyone’s favorite actress, Funke Akindele-Bello, who is popular for playing the character Jenifa was born in August.
She carries her 40 years with so much grace. Baby or no baby, we love our Funke as she is.

5. Mercy Aigbe

 

Nollywood actress, Mercy Aigbe is like fine wine at 40.
The actress, who was born on New years day, despite suffering from domestic violence in her former marriage, has managed to keep her head high. If she was to say hi to a 29 year old guy, his world would never remain the same.

 

 

 

 

Housemates laud BBNaija for making history with 170 million votes in 2018

Some housemates in the 2018 edition of the Big Brother Naija ( BBNaija ) TV reality show tagged “Double Wahala’’ late Sunday commended the organisers and viewers for making history as it recorded 170 million votes.
The newsmen report that the show recorded that huge number from fans across the world who voted through the various online platforms for the candidates of their choices.
“Big Brother Naija ( BBNaija ) pulled a show again in this edition; this is massive, 170 million votes,’’ said Debbie Rise, a former BBNaija housemate.
“Every year keeps getting better and better and a lot of people got more involved this time around.
“The online platform made a very huge impact. Big Brother Naija show and most housemates kept trending on twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
“This shows how entertainment goes a long way in the heart of Nigerians, “she said.
Also, Omololù Adetokunbo popularly known as Lolu in the house told the newsmen that the show lived up to its expectation as always.
“I am now known due to viewership and votes. It is a dream comes true by my featuring in this reality show and I will surely make the best out of it.
`Thank you all for the supports and votes, thank you Multi-choice for this platform, “he said.
Similarly, Marianne Onyii popularly known as “Ahneeka ‘’ among the housemates said that she was amazed with the number of followers she gained on social network after she left the house.
“I came back from the BBNaija show and was surprised to see how the number of my followers on Instagram, twitter and Facebook increased.
“ I read most comments about me, both the negative and positive comments. And I can say that I have experienced and learned a lot this past few months.

 
“And I hope to continue using my fan page to stay relevant and keep people informed of my latest happenings, “she said.
Rico Swavey also told the newsmen that BBNaija platform would help him boost his singing career and other projects.
“As you can see, DJ Exclusive already said that he would love to work with me. This is a dream comes true.
“Thank you Big Brother Naija and my fans. I promise to keep the flags flying and new songs coming soon, “he said.
Antoinette Lecky also known as `Anto` in the house expressed her gratitude to the BBNaija organisers for giving her the opportunity to be a participant in the reality show.
“I’m glad to have been a housemate in the Big Brother Naija show, to show the world my personality. It was a priviledge.
“ Congrats to Miracle, he deserves the money, “she said.
Oluwabamike Olawunmi known as “Bambam’’ said life was good after the reality show.
“I hope to bring out the best in me as I have already discovered through my interaction with other housemates. I am grateful for all the love and supports, “she said.

Young pilot, Miracle wins BBNaija show

A 24-year-old pilot and model in the Big Brother Naija (BBN) reality show, Miracle Igbokwe, has been crowned winner of the competition, carting home the cash prize of N25million, an SUV and other benefits totaling N45 million during a glamorous finale in Johannesburg, South Africa, Sunday night.
Miracle who had showed traits of winning, having led the votes chart each time he was put up for possible eviction, and came tops during series of tasks since January 28, 2018 when the show opened, beats fellow finalists – Tobi Bakre, Cynthia Nwadiora, Nina Chinonso and Alexandra Asogwa.
He had earlier earned over N3million coming from winning House tasks such as Pepsi Challenge, Payporte Challenge, Close-Up Challenge, and scooped to himself, the N200, 000 wager in the last week.
 
He had been Head of House several times and contributed to entertaining fans with dramas, intrigues, tasks, gossips, and betrayals, while also being noted for his romance with fellow housemate, Nina throughout the 24/7-three months live broadcast.
It didn’t come to many as a surprise that he won the show, as most viewers hold the view that he was the housemate with the least tussle with other contestants, while his status as a pilot might have also endeared fans to him.
The energy was ‘double’ in the South African studio when he was brought to the stage with Cee-C. The shout of Miracle! Miracle!! Miracle!!! by supporters rent the air.
Miracle who hails from Imo State, recently graduated from the Aviation School, and entered the Big Brother Naija house with his pilot license tightly in hand.
The charming housemate who plans to use part of the N45million prize to get more aeronautic training and the rest to help his family said while canvassing for votes: “Coming here is a deal for me, winning this money is a bigger deal to me. I would use the money to go for my CPL training as a professional pilot. Help me abeg and vote for me.”
Cee-C, while canvassing for votes last week hinged her plea on some unnamed projects she will be needing the money for. “Nigerians please vote for me to win this money. I cannot give a particular reason to vote for me. I can’t say because I’m beautiful or attractive but Nigerians please vote for me. Vote for me because I have lots of projects to achieve with this money,” she stated.
Tobi on his part was going to use the money to boost his photography business

According to the former staff of Heritage Bank, “For a 28-year-old, I have a finance background, so I know what to do with the money; I would not waste it in clubs.
“My photography, I need to expand that business because I don’t have plans of going behind the desk anytime soon. I need you guys to vote let’s get that money.”
While Nina said “I have always had the dream of becoming someone in future and this is just it. I am pleading to Nigerians, Africans to support me to achieve this dream of mine.”, Alex said “I need the money in my life to treat my dad, finish school and take care of my siblings.”
Ebuka who entered the House in an unusual manner, announced Nina’s eviction first. Her eviction was soon followed by that of Alex and Tobi, before Miracle was declared winner.
Other housemates who were earlier evicted include Vandora, Bitto, Princess, DEE-One, Angel, Ahneeka, K-Brule, Leo, Ifu Ennada, Khloe, Anto, Teddy A, Bambam, Lolu and Rico Swavey.
It was an emotional moment for fans of the show across Africa, who must have voted vigorously in the last week, raising the stake for the three top contestants.
The show which began broadcast on January 28, 2018 closed Sunday night with host, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu announcing the results during a live show that had artistes including Davido with ‘Fia’, “Like That’ and “Fall”, Mr Real with ‘Legbegbe’, and Nigerian dance queen, Kaffy performing for the excited studio guests.
At a streaming center in Lagos, top celebrities, former housemates and recently evicted contestants like Lolu, Anto, Teddy A and Bambam, were part of the crowd that had ‘official’ supporters of the finalists.
The Lagos event was anchored by former BBNaija’s Housemate, Bisola Aiyeola.

Looking beyond his dreadlocks and stage name, Rudeboy, one would notice that Paul Okoye, one half of singing duo, PSquare, has a calm demeanour. The singer whose career spans almost 20 years, speaks with ADENIYI ADEWOYIN on controversies surrounding the split of PSquare and how he has been coping with his solo career since the breakup. Excerpts…

How have you been?
I’m fine, everybody is fine, family is good but unfortunately they are not around. They travelled yesterday.

How have you been coping without them around?
 It felt strange. Its either my son will come and wake me up or I will just hear the babies crying but there’s nothing like that.

Are you working on any project right now?
Yes, I have projects but it’s not like I’m bringing out an album. I’m just working on singles and dropping the videos about three weeks after the audio. I’ve also been doing concerts upon concert.

Talking about concerts, are gigs still coming in since you went solo compared to when you were PSquare?
It’s normal. There was a bit of a breakdown when it happened and everyone were in shock  because usually when things happen like that, I wait for almost nine months. But this time, I had to move on with my life and under two months, it became normal for me. It’s the same old thing. There’s nothing new. The only part I know is different is performing alone because at the early stage I wasn’t used to it but now, I am used to it.

Are you saying you don’t miss the whole PSquare thing?
Like I said, I don’t want to discuss anything about the past. You are a journalist fine but just know that there are some certain things you can ask me that will benefit both you and I. So the best thing is either I skip it or wave it unless it’s my personal family.

But your fans want to know all these things…
Yes, they are my fans and I know how to communicate with them and I tell them take heart!

Are there chances of a PSquare come back?
I never left and I don’t know why people keep asking me that. It might be the fourth time it’s happening but I always wait. But this time the difference is that I did not wait. So I don’t have issues on that.

Do people still recognise you as the same Paul of Psquare since you adopted Rudeboy as your stage name?
Right from time, people have always called me Rudeboy since the days of ‘Busy Body’. Even when I travel outside the country, people try to ask me about certain issues but I tell them same thing. It might be good for the journalist but it’s not good for me because I have so many things to protect. I did not work hard for almost twenty years to just throw it away like that.

How has fatherhood been for you?
It hasn’t been easy especially when you are in my position being an artiste, producer and writer. I was never in support of having a studio in the house because I still want to see myself going out like I’m going to work. Imagine living on the island and the studio is on the mainland. When I had my first child, I was still managing it. But when the twins came, there was no way I could manage it anymore. I have to be around so I had to build a studio in the house.

How did your wife feel about the break up with your twin brother?
I don’t know. Maybe when you see her you ask.

Some people are of the opinion that you guys have gone back to being up and coming artistes since the break up. What can you say about that?
Well, they know who they are referring to. Like I said, nothing changed. If you listen, it is the same thing you have been listening to almost twenty years so I cannot go and discover a new thing. We are in the internet generation so people can say whatever they want. I know people are angry but there are some things that you cannot say; that is why it is family. If somebody did not pull out what they pulled out, you won’t know about anything. That is not me, and like I said, I don’t want to say anything about it. You might be doing your job but I have to protect what I have to protect.

You mentioned earlier that you are always in the studio writing songs and producing; does that mean you wrote all PSquare songs?
Like I said, you can’t get those kind of things from my mouth. I don’t allow people to quote me wrong. The Nigerian media I know before is not the same that I know today. There had been certain issues that some people have tried to join my head and other celebs saying I said this and I said that because you can say something and people will edit it to what they want. Like someone will say you are best in this, you are best in that. In a group everybody have their work they are doing, there must be a leader.

As a handsome man with a successful career and wealth; how do you cope with temptations. Is your wife not bothered about not losing you to your female fans?
It depends on the type of woman you marry. Before we got married you knew I am in the music industry even when we dey date you don see tire, shay na you decide to marry abi you never see those things finish?

#BBNaija: Nina gets endorsement deal

Barely two hours after the BBNaija reality TV show ended, Nina Chinonso Onyenobi, who came fifth in the show has landed an endorsement deal with Flawless By Mimi, a beauty supply shop in Nigeria.
The Chief Executive Officer of the enterprise, Ms Mimi Orjiekweng, took to her instagram handle @mimiorjiekweng to reveal the deal.
“Flawlessbymimi @nina_ivy is our girl and still our winner of the #bbn Season 3 reality TV show.
“She is well composed, beautiful and real. it’ll be a pleasure to make her our brand ambassador of the Flawless Beauty By Mimi brand.

“Her papers are ready, CEO @mimiorjiekwenf,” she wrote.
Flawless By Mimi is a beauty supply shop that deals in lashes, matte lipstick, lipgloss, eye lashes, etc.
This would be the first endorsement for the 22 year-old graduate of English ams Literary Studies from Imo State University (IMSU).
The last daughter in the family of five is a designer, model and actress.
She contested in the IMSU Most Beautiful Face but narrowly lost the crown to the winner, Sandra Joseph.
While in the house, the 2017 graduate of IMSU was emotionally attached to Miracle Igbokwe who was earlier crowned the winner of the 2018 BBNaija, “Double Wahala”.
Nina was among the last five left in the show, which started with 20 contestants.
While Miracle won the grand prize of N25 million, a brand new SUV and other rewards, Cee-C came second, Tobi third, Alex fourth and Nina fifth, respectively.

Shiites Planning Fresh Protests In Abuja

Ibrahim El-Zakzaky

Shiites Threaten Fresh Protests In Abuja

Members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, also known as Shiites, have reportedly threatened to carry out fresh protests in Abuja, the nation’s capital city, as they continue to demand the release of their leader, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky.
To this end, an alert being circulated via text messages, WhatsApp and other social media platforms has been making rounds since Thursday evening, advising  residents to be wary of places they visit today, particularly during the Friday Jumat prayers.

According to the warning,  “residents and visitors alike are to avoid places like Banex Plaza on Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse II and Friday Prayer Mosques.

The security alert read:
“We are monitoring reports that the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) at about 4pm on 19 April, 2018 is planning to converge in the vicinity of Banex Plaza on Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse II Abuja. The IMN is also planning what it describes as a mega outing on Friday 20 April, 2018.
“This outing will target the National Mosque, Area 11 Mosque and Yoruba Mosque in Wuse II. These protests are to demand the release of the IMN detained leader, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky and his wife, who have been government detention since December 2015.

“Staff in Abuja should:
“Avoid the locations of the protest as a precaution. Plan routes bypassing these locations,
However, when contacted, the FCT police public relations officer Anjuguri Manzah, said he was not aware of any such security threat.
Recalls that a recent clash occurred between security operatives and the Islamic sect in Abuja, who have vowed to continue to stage protests to demand the release of their leader from government custody where he has been since 2015.

 

Exchange Rate For Today, Naira To Dollar

Exchange rate is the rate at which one currency will be exchanged for another. It is also regarded as the value of one country’s currency in relation to another currency.
The buying rate is the rate at which money dealers will buy foreign currency, and the selling rate is the rate at which they will sell that currency.
Nigeria as a country, depends heavily on importation to meet most of its local demands, hence the dollar is always in demand by business men in the country.
The Naira to US dollar, is currently pegged at an official exchange rate of $1 to N305.1.
However, on the black market, which seems like where most Nigerians take care of their forex needs, the rates are fluctuating between N360 to $1 for those buying and N363 to $1 for those selling, For the British Pound, the rates, though officially fixed at N434.4, exchanges for N503 to £1 for those buying and N510 to £1 for those selling.
Also, the Euro exchanges at N438 to €1 for those buying, and N445 to 1€ for those selling, though it has an official rate of N377.

Sex Scandal: OAU Suspends Prof Akindele

The Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, has received and considered the interim report of the Committee set up to investigate the allegation of sexual harassment revealed in a recent audio recording.

Press Statement

The Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, has received and considered the interim report of the Committee set up to investigate the allegation of sexual harassment revealed in a recent audio recording.
In the interim report submitted to the Vice Chancellor, Professor Eyitope Ogunbodede, Professor Richard I. Akindele, of the Department of Management and Accounting, is now established to be the lecturer in the controversial “marks for sex” audio recording. The female voice has also been identified as that of Miss Monica Osetobe OSAGIE, a Postgraduate Student on the Master of Business Administration Regular programme.

 

Although the Investigative Committee had invited both Professor Richard I. Akindele and Miss Osagie, only Professor Akindele had appeared before the Committee, while Miss Osagie is yet to appear or make any representation. The report indicated that many other witnesses appeared before the Committee and gave useful evidence. The University is making efforts to ensure that Miss Osagie appears before the investigative committee so that it can hear her side of the case and promptly submit its final report.
The Committee observed that a prima facie case of inappropriate relationship with the female student had been established against Professor Richard I. Akindele. The Vice-Chancellor, having carefully and dispassionately considered the report, also came to the conclusion that a prima facie case of serious misconduct had been established.
Having regard to the gravity of the offence for which Professor Richard I. Akindele is found to be prima facie liable, the Vice-Chancellor, in line with the Code of Conduct for the University Community and acting under all the laws and regulations of the University enabling him in that regard, has directed that Professor Richard I. Akindele be suspended forthwith from the University, pending the final determination of the disciplinary case against him.
Under the provisions of the relevant Statute of the University, an academic staff can only be dismissed from service or have his or her appointment terminated only when the matter on which consideration is being given has been investigated by a Joint Council and Senate Committee, and the staff has appeared before the committee with his or her counsel, if so desired. This procedure is the minimum requirement of the law and regulations of the University. It should therefore be noted that the suspension of Professor Richard I. Akindele is on the basis of the findings of the Investigative Committee that he is prima facie liable, and this decision will abide, pending the final determination of the case by the Council of the University.
  We will like to reiterate that OAU will continue to do everything legally and morally acceptable in pursuance of its avowed commitment to zero tolerance for sexual harassment, intimidation and, or coercion.

Black Panther To Be Shown In Saudi Arabia Cinema Today, Ending 35-Year Movie Ban

As part of ongoing reforms in ultra-conservative Saudi Arabia, Marvel’s superhero film Black Panther which has broken many record in the world’s movie industry will be shown in the country’s cinema today, bringing an end to a 35-year ban on movies.
The Hollywood blockbuster will play at a private screening in Riyadh, before they open to the public in May.
Under an agreement with AMC Entertainment Holdings, forty cinemas will open in the next five years, with the first to open at the King Abdullah Financial District and the main theatre is set to have 500 leather seats, orchestra and balcony levels and marble bathrooms.
Cinemas were closed on the orders of strict clerics, but they are being reopened under a larger reform plan spearheaded by crown Prince Mohamed Bin Salman which aims to catapult the ultra-conservative kingdom into the 21st century.
Earlier reported that the Prince was bringing to an end the ban of 35 years on movies., with Saudi expected to experience public concerts and a fashion week, and women will soon be allowed to drive.
Lifting the cinema ban is part of his so-called Vision 2030, a blueprint for the country that aims to boost local spending and create jobs amid sustained lower oil prices.

Adel Abdel Ghafar, from Brookings Doha Centre, said it was part of a vision for a “more open Saudi”.
“One that is open for tourism, business, and less dependent on oil,” he said.
Mr Ghafar said Mr Salman was an ambitious prince trying to, “consolidate his hold on power” and appeal to a younger audience.
“It feels like he’s definitely in a rush because the kingdom is indeed in need of reform,” he added.
The majority of the 32 million Saudi population are under 30 and a 2014 study showed Saudis watched films online on a weekly basis.

Davido And Tekno To Perform At Show Final

BB Naija To Host Davido And Tekno In Grand Finale

The Big Brother Naija reality show, Double Wahala edition kicked off on the 28th of January with 20 contestant all gunning for the mouth watering grand prize of 45 million and a brand new SUV.
The show,  since it commenced, has been a major point of discussion for many in the country and beyond with celebrities showing their support for the house members they like.
The show has had hilarious moments and also a lot of the contestant exchanging hurting words have been seen in the house. Twenty contestants started the show but eviction has reduced them to just five surviving housemates.
Big Brother Naija’s final will see top Nigeria musicians, Davido and Tekno as guest artists as they thrill fans at the grand finale of the show on Sunday.
The remaining contestant to battle out for the grand prize are Miracle, Tobi, Nina , Cee-c And Alex.